SELF CARE + Making yourself a priority
With May being Mental Awareness Month, self-care is an important topic. Of course, we are all busy with many things, but when are we taking time for ourselves and filling our cup backup?
Self-care…. What is it exactly? This term is constantly thrown around, but what does it mean? Self-care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress. Simply put, remember to make yourself a priority. This is a considerable aspect of your health and wellness.
““The only thing more exhausting than having a mental illness is pretending like you don’t.””
How often are you taking time to revel in some self-care during your week? Everyone will have a different response to this question, which is normal! Every individual needs an additional amount and kind of self-care. You may notice some weeks you don’t need it as much and others you wish you would have scheduled more.
One of the simplest ways to make sure that you are prioritizing yourself is to remember to take AT LEAST 20 minutes a day for yourself. This can include:
Working out
Meditation
Journaling
Going for a walk
Reading
Staying off of your phone
Sitting in silence
Eating lunch away from the desk/TV/ etc.
Other forms of self-care include:
Massage
Spa appointment
Hiking
Watching a movie
Catching up on your shows
Phone call with a close friend
Lunch with a friend
Turning off your phone
Anything you in joy
Some days and weeks, it seems impossible to get self-care in, let alone everything else that needs to be done. Remember this… you are your top priority and deserve to take that time for yourself! Never feel guilty for filling up your cup before giving it to others. Instead, try different ways to incorporate self-care into your life, and see which ones work the best!
